It's Not Just Theatre…It's Barter!

With a rich history spanning eight decades, Barter Theatre still draws patrons from around the globe every day to Abingdon to enjoy the magic of live entertainment. Barter, the State Theatre of Virginia, helps visitors make memories through its talented cast of resident actors in shows ranging from comedies to dramas to musicals. A multitude of famous actors such as Ernest Borgnine got their start in Barter plays, and today the theatre continues to launch stars from its stages. Come and experience Barter Theatre for yourself.

David Alford was most recently seen as Marquis St. Evrémonde and others in Richard Rose’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and last summer’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Monsieur d’Arque). Regional credits include: Bob Cratchit (Scrooge!), Hap (Death of a Salesman), Orpheus (Metamorphoses), Lt. Pittman (Titanic), Harry (Brilliant Traces), Rev. Hale (The Crucible), Gremio (Taming of the Shrew) and Joe (Damn Yankees). A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, David has a certification in theatre arts for secondary education and serves as the artistic director for Barter’s Youth Academy.

Mary Lucy Bivins is a native of Spartanburg, SC. She began acting in high school and continued throughout undergraduate school at Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. She earned a graduate degree in theatre from Wake Forest University, where she stayed on to direct and teach acting for nearly a decade. She performed with the NC Shakespeare Festival for two seasons, where she earned membership in the Actors’ Equity Association. At this time she was also directing two productions a year at her alma mater, Salem. She spent more than a decade performing with Charlotte Repertory Theatre and the Blowing Rock Stage Company. Mary Lucy became a member of the Screen Actors Guild following her appearance in the feature film, The Road to Wellville.

Paris Bradstreet Paris is thrilled to join Barter’s Resident Acting Company and be here all season! During the past two years, her roles at Barter have included: Mrs. Meekly (Unnecessary Farce), Eunice (A Streetcar Named Desire), Vera (Welcome Back to Ivy Gap) and Mrs. Pierce/Ensemble (My Fair Lady). Originally from Danvers, Mass., she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College in New York, and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from California State University, Fullerton. She sends her love and thanks home to her wonderful and amazing parents. “Enjoy the show, and thank you for supporting live theatre!”

Sean Maximo Campos Sean has been a member of the Barter Resident Acting Company since 2006. Audiences may remember him from The Wizard of OZ (2014), Unnecessary Farce, Cabaret, Doubting Thomas, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, The Fantasticks, Dial "M" for Murder, Tarzan, The 39 Steps and others. He sends love to the Barter family, his amazing wife, Ashley, his beautiful son, Max, and of course, the Filipinos.

Parris Cromer recently graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is honored to make her regional theatre debut. Originally from Washington, D.C., where she’s had the opportunities to sing for President Bush and mezzo soprano Denise Graves to and perform at the Kennedy Center and Constitution Hall. She was awarded the Robert J, Prindle and Doris P. Prindle Memorial Award and the Lauren M. Becker Memorial Award in creative arts. Favorite credits: Crystal (Little Shop of Horrors), Spat Palazzo (Sugar), Acid Queen (Tommy) and Serena (Porgy and Bess). Special thanks go to her family and niece Ee’lon for all their love and support.

Abbey Hunt is thrilled to be performing in her fifth season at Barter. Favorite Barter roles include, Kost (Cabaret), Beth (Little Women), Éponine (Les Misérables), Lois Lane/Bianca (Kiss Me, Kate), Lucy/Mrs. T (Avenue Q) and Randy (A Christmas Story). A graduate from Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., Abbey has performed around the world with Holland America Cruise Line. Regional credits: Promises, Promises (Stages St. Louis); Mack & Mabel (Surflight); Follies, starring Joan Roberts and Ann B. Davis, and Hairspray (Little Theatre on the Square). Abbey feels so blessed and sends lots of love to her hubby Byron, her family and her Barter family.

Hannah Ingram first joined Barter Theatre’s Resident Acting Company in 2008, and she has been happily stretching her creative boundaries here ever since. Some favorite Barter productions: Evita (Evita), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Disney’s Beauty & the Beast (Belle), 39 Steps (Annabella/Margaret/Pamela) and The Who’s Tommy (Acid Queen). She worked for The Mouse, sailing the seven seas on Disney Cruise Line. She also had the honor of spending three years entertaining our active-duty military and veterans by traveling worldwide as a member and company manager of the USO World troupe, “The Liberty Belles” – an Andrews Sisters-style trio, specializing in intricate three-part harmony. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. She has been a proud member of Actors’ Equity for more than a decade.

Zacchaeus Kimbrell Zacchaeus is absolutely thrilled to be joining the elite Resident Acting Company here at Barter! He is a graduate of The University of Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in music and a minor in theatre. In the summer of 2011, Zacchaeus made his New York City solo debut performing in Carner and Gregor’s Barely Legal Show-Tune Extravaganza (III) at Drom restaurant. That same summer, he was a featured performer among Broadway veterans in See. ‘Spot.’ Sing.: An Evening with Broadway Spotted and Friends at The Metropolitan Room in NYC. In December of 2011, Zacchaeus was seen as the Innkeeper/Homeless Man understudy in the first ever southeastern national tour of The Forgotten Carols, a Christmas musical produced by Michael Young and directed by Tony Blake. Another highlight in his performing career was the opportunity to perform as a spiritual soloist with the National Festival Chorus and University Singers of The University of Alabama at Carnegie Hall in New York City in May of 2010. Just one year earlier, in 2009, he won the T. Earle Award for Best Featured Actor for his portrayal of Henrik Egerman in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music with Theatre Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa, AL). He spent the summer of 2013 serving young audiences as a Barter Player in Mother Goose: The Musical, Cinderella, and The Pied Piper of Hamelin. On top of his theatre career, Zacchaeus has been teaching voice for 7 years, and has worked with many singers of all different genres of music. Visit www.zacchaeuskimbrell.com for more information! Follow @zjkimbrell on Twitter!

Nick Koesters has been a working professional actor since 1994 and a member of Actors’ Equity since 2002. Before joining Barter’s Resident Acting Company, he lived in Northeast Ohio, where he performed in more than 60 productions. Along with his stage work, Nick has also been seen in Spike TV’s Kill Point and in the Emmy-nominated children’s show Ask Gilby. He co-produced and starred in the award-winning independent film, Will Work for Food. He spent eight years as part of a travelling theatre troupe to educate more than a quarter of a million children on issues such as healthy lifestyle habits, nutrition, conflict resolution, HIV/AIDS and communication skills. Nick grew up in Weaverville, NC, and now resides in Abingdon with his two muses, his wife Carolyn and their daughter, Calliope.

Sarah Laughland is grateful to be a member of Barter’s 2015 Resident Acting Company. She first appeared at Barter in the summer of 2014 with The Barter Players, where she met a world of folks that transformed her both as an artist and a person. She also appeared on the Barter stage in The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady and Sherlock Holmes & the Hound of the Baskervilles. Past credits include: the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Dollywood Entertainment in Tennessee, Huron Playhouse in Ohio and Flying V of Washington D.C. She is a 2012 graduate of Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Penn. She sends love to the entirety of Barter for endless support and her family for always encouraging her to reach higher.

Justin Tyler Lewis Justin Tyler Lewis is proud to be a member of Barter Theatre’s Resident Acting Company. He started his education at Catawba College where he studied Theatre and the Liberal Arts. After graduation, he continued his education at Charleston Stage in Charleston, SC where—as a member of their resident acting program—he gained experience as a teacher and actor. Justin was fortunate to follow that up with an internship with The Barter Players. As a member of The Barter Players Justin continued his training while learning to serve young audiences and touring extensively throughout the eastern US. Some of his favorite roles with The Barter Players include Buck in The Call of the Wild, Alexander in Alexander & the…Very Bad Day and Xanthus in Aesop’s Fables. After two years in the Player company, Justin joined the resident acting company in 2012. Memorable roles since then have included Col. Walter Taylor in The Road to Appomattox, Leo in The Wind Farmer, Laurie in Little Women, and Enjolras in Les Miserables. Justin also hosts Barter’s weekly radio show and podcast Theatre Matters.

Carrie Smith Lewis Carrie Smith Lewis first came to Barter in the fall of 2006, appearing in Jane Eyre and Murderer. Since then Carrie has worked at the Barter in a number of capacities: actor, director, casting assistant, dialect coach, private acting instructor, and box office attendant. She is now a proud member of the Resident Acting Company, as well as a two-year alumnus of the Barter Players. Carrie received her B.A. in Theatre from East Tennessee State University, and an M.F.A. in Acting from Florida Atlantic University. Directing credits for the Barter Players include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cinderella, and Macbeth. Carrie has worked regionally with the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Georgia Shakespeare, North Carolina Stage Company, Immediate Theatre Project, Hampstead Stage Company, and Rude Mechanicals Productions.

Andrew Hampton Livingston Andrew Hampton Livingston was last seen at Barter in The Foreigner and Heaven Sent (2009). Since then, Andrew has performed regionally with Mill Mountain Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, NC Stage, Immediate Theatre Project, in New York at La Mama ETC, and in Chicago with Theatre Y, Chicago Shakespeare, Court Theatre, and Organic Theatre. He has an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and BFA in Music Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. He and his wife Amanda are thrilled to be joining the Barter family.

Tricia Matthews Tricia joined Barter’s Resident Acting Company in 2005 and became the resident acting coach in 2008. Among her Barter acting credits are Eleanor in Lion in Winter, Arlene in Baby, Van Helsing in Dracula, Mrs. Walker in The Who’s Tommy, Goneril in Lear, The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz (2009), Mrs. Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Martha in the world premiere of October Before I Was Born, Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, Ann in the US premiere of I Do, I Do, I Do and the one-woman show The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead. As a director, Tricia helmed The Woman in Black, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, Wooden Snowflakes, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, The Sunset Limited, Half a World Away(World Premiere), Dial “M” for Murder, Educating Rita, The Whipping Man and The Littlest Angel and A Year With Frog and Toad for The Barter Players.

Before coming to Barter, Tricia had an extensive career in regional theatre. She performed at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in the world premiere of Herman Wouk and Jimmy Buffet’s Don’t Stop the Carnival and the southwest premiere of Nunsense Jamboree with Dan Goggin. She was seen as Mrs. Tarleton in Misalliance at Centre Stage, as Meg in Damn Yankees at Arkansas Rep, as Soap Star in Menopause: The Musical, as Alice in The New Yorkers and Elvira in High Spirits at Seaside Music Theatre, performed at South Coast Rep, Asolo Theatre, Florida Stage, Florida Studio, Stage One, American Stage, New Theatre, Mark II, Royal Palm, Beef & Boards, Mill Mountain, Surflight, played Essie in Ah, Wilderness! at Connecticut Rep, Madame Ranevskaya in The Cherry Orchard, Judith in Hay Fever and Elizabeth in The Crucible at the Asolo Conservatory Theatre, and Alma in Eccentricities of a Nightingale at Pirate Playhouse.

Television and film credits include seaQuest DSV, Superboy, Divorce Court, One Life to Live, Guiding Light and co-starring with Morgan Fairchild and Engelbert Humperdinck in Even Angels Fall. Tricia holds a BA from CSUFullerton and an MFA in acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory.

Rick McVey Rick is proud to have been acting in Barter productions since his first appearance on the Barter stage in 2003 and has been a full-time member of Barter Theatre’s Resident Acting Company since 2005. Some of his favorite roles at Barter include Robert E. Lee in The Road to Appomattox, Javert in Les Miserables, Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (2011), George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, Harold in The Full Monty, The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (2009), Victor Fleming in Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell (2008) and Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street (2008) .

To date Rick has appeared in over 65 productions on Barter’s stages. He also appeared as the Boss in Barter’s 2009 national touring production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.

Besides working as an actor at Barter, Rick has also had the honor of directing the Barter Players’ productions of Just So Stories, The Ugly Duckling, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and The Scarlet Letter. He also wrote and directed the award-winning feature film FREEDOM and co-wrote and produced the feature film THIS WORLD. His play for young audiences, The Learning Box, has the distinction of being the first play ever endorsed by the Virginia Education Association.

Rick is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and in 2010 was inducted into the ETSU Department of Communications Alumni Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work in theater, Rick spent many years of his career in broadcasting both as on-air talent and as a production manager in both radio and television. During those years Rick was also performing in and directing scores of shows at Theatre Bristol, where he also served for a time as Producing Director. He was also the producing director of the Don’t Touch That Dial! radio theater company for six years.

A native of the region, Rick got his first exposure to live theater attending plays at Barter when he was an elementary school student in Damascus, Virginia. He and his wife Lola have three children and five grandchildren.

Nicholas Piper is an associate director of Barter Theatre in charge of new play development, as well as a director and actor in the Resident Company. A graduate of UT, Knoxville, Nick first came to Barter as an intern in 1990 and went on to become a founding member of Barter’s First Light Theatre (now The Barter Players). Nick is also the director of Barter’s Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights, and is leading Barter’s Shaping of America Series. Nick has directed a number of plays for Barter including Elvis Has Left the Building, The Blue-Sky Boys, Showtime at First Baptist and I’ll Never Be Hungry Again. Some of his favorite roles include Chester in Circumference of a Squirrel, the Creature in Frankenstein and Jimmy Reed in The Road Where It Curves Away.

Michael Poisson is a proud member of Barter’s Resident Acting Company. He first came here from his native Massachusetts in 2001 and has appeared in over 40 productions. Some favorite roles are Dracula (Dracula!), Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird), Ryan (The Liquid Moon), Felix (The Odd Couple), Henry (The Lion in Winter), Herb (Lying in State), Matthew (Green Gables), Ronnie (The Quiltmaker), Boolie (Driving Miss Daisy) and Scrooge (A Christmas Carol).

Holly Williams Once upon a time, Holly was living in New York City, going to daily auditions, and working three jobs. At the end of the day she would exclaim, “I just want to make my living doing plays all the time!” Little did she know her dream would come when she was asked to join Barter’s Resident Acting Company in 2011. Prior to moving to NYC, Holly earned an A.A. in Musical Theatre from Florida School of the Arts and a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from The University of Miami (Go Canes!). Regional credits include: Alhambra Dinner Theatre (FL), Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre (FL), Weathervane Playhouse (OH), Dollywood Entertainment (TN), Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (PA), Heritage Theatre Festival (VA), Music of Denali Dinner Theatre (AK), and several readings, workshops and cabarets in New York City. To learn more, please visit www.holly-williams.com

Eugene Wolf is happy to be back on the Barter Stage. He has appeared at Barter as Presidents Richard Nixon (Nixon’s Nixon) and Woodrow Wilson (The Second Mrs. Wilson), mystical songman A. P. Carter (Keep on the Sunny Side), Dickens thief Fagin (Oliver!), Randle McMurphy (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), poisonous Iago (Othello) and Willy Loman (Death of a Salesman). Films: Freedom,Box of Moonlight, Civil War Stories and The Curse. Television: Will the Circle Be Unbroken–PBS and Lost Highways–BBC. Eugene has served as musical arranger on a number of Barter musicals and has recorded with the Brother Boys for Sugar Hill Records. It’s a good life.

Directors & Designers

Richard Rose (Producing Artistic Director/Director) is now in his 23rd year at Barter Theatre, and only the third artistic director in the historic theatre’s 82-year history. Rick has led Barter to unprecedented growth in attendance and in expansion of programs serving the region in culture, education, economic expansion and community building. Barter’s audiences know Rick’s work well as a director and an adaptor. His original adaptations of plays have been extremely popular and includes: It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Dracula!, Frankenstein (acknowledged as one of the best new regional theatre plays of the year), A Modern Christmas Carol and, of course, last season’s Sherlock Holmes & the Hound of the Baskervilles.

Triumphs as a director from 2014 include: The Wizard of Oz, Man of La Mancha and Driving Miss Daisy. Rick has served on many state and regional non-profit boards and currently serves on the Tourism Committee for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce as well as the board of Virginians for the Arts. Rick did post-graduate work at New York University, has a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Norbert College, DePere, Wis., where he was honored with the “Distinguished Achievement Award in Humanities.” Rick was also one of the first-ever recipients of the Town of Abingdon’s Arthur Campbell Award for extraordinary contributions to this community.

Amanda Aldridge (Resident Choreographer/Costume Designer) has been at Barter for 19 seasons, choreographing more than 35 productions and designing costumes for more than 145. Amanda has choreographed and designed Barter’s productions of Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat®, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Evita, Oliver, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Singin’ in the Rain, Gypsy, Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Camelot and choreographed The Full Monty, The Who’s Tommy and Revolutions. Additional Barter designs include Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, The Blue-Sky Boys and The Diary of Anne Frank. Previously, Amanda studied in New York and worked as resident costume designer and choreographer at the American Stage Festival in New Hampshire and Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Massachusetts.

Megan Atkinson is the founder and director of Project REAL. She received a BFA in Theatre Performance from Columbus State University. Megan has also studied at the Institute of Movement in Manhattan, Michael Chekov Studio, Gas and Electric Arts Company and is currently studying at ETSU to receive her masters in Liberal Studies. Her career as a theatre artist began as a Barter Player in 2006, after which she moved to the Boston, MA area, where she worked for multiple theatre companies as an actor and director. Those companies included Shakespeare Now!, Shakespeare in the Valley, Boston Actors Theatre, Company One, 11:11 Theatre Company, Zeitgeist Theatre, Hampstead Stage, and the Longwood Players. Before leaving Boston in 2011 to return to Abingdon, she worked with the Cambridge Council for the Arts using theatre techniques to help solve problems with the local transit system. She also worked with an organization that used theatre to work on self image with a group of young at-risk girls. Megan is very excited to now be using theatre to help educate the future of America in local schools.

Katy Brown (Associate Artistic Director, Artistic Director of The Barter Players) has been working at Barter Theatre since 1998 as a director, teacher, actor, choreographer, dramaturge and administrator. Katy has directed more than 70 productions in her time at Barter, including “Hamlet,” “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” “The 39 Steps,” “The Road to Appomattox,” “A Walk in the Woods,” “The Quiltmaker,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “A Thousand Cranes,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Doubting Thomas,” “Violet,” “The Fantasticks,” “The Foreigner” and Barter’s national tour of “Of Mice and Men.” As Artistic Director of the Barter Players, she extended the season of shows for young audiences at Barter Theatre to include the entire year and has helped to build the Players into one of the most sought-after training grounds for young actors in the country. Katy graduated summa cum laude as an English and theatre double major from Berry College. Since moving to the Tri-Cities, she has been a recipient of the YW Tribute to Women in the Arts Award, named one of 2005’s Women of Influence in The Business Journal of Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia, and been inducted to the 2010 class of the 40 Under Forty. She helped to create Barter’s internationally acclaimed online gaming system and has taught workshops in acting and auditioning nationwide. Katy is head of casting for Barter Theatre as well as the director of the Young Playwright’s Festival and continues to learn something new from her work at the theatre every day.Contact Katy Brown

Camille Davis (Associate Director/Director of Production) has spent over twenty-five years working in the theatre and in positions ranging from production manager to lighting designer to assistant technical director in theatres stretching from Kentucky to New York City to Sag Harbor, Long Island. She has had the privilege of working with such theatre notables as Anne Bogart, Beverly Emmons, Kristin Linklater and Arnold Aronson. Before joining the Barter family, Camille served as the production manager for the graduate theatre program at Columbia University in New York City.

Since coming to Barter, Camille has also had the pleasure of serving as lighting designer for several Barter productions, including The Glass Menagerie, Walking Across Egypt, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder and Streetcar Named Desire.
BA, Centre College. MFA, Carnegie Mellon University.

Lee Harris is thrilled to be back at Barter Theatre for his third year as resident musical director. His Barter productions include: I’ll Never Be Hungry Again; Les Misérables; Kiss Me, Kate; Man of La Mancha; The Wizard of Oz and My Fair Lady. His national tours include: Little Women; Altar Boyz; Bye, Bye Birdie; Civil War Voices, Miracle on 34th Street and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Radio City Rockettes. Lee’s regional work includes: The Light in the Piazza, Cinderella, The Wild Party (Lippa & LaChiusa), The Sound of Music, Annie, The Music Man and Hairspray. Lee thanks Rick Rose for his continued support. “All my love to my family back in Tennessee and Texas.”

Nicholas Piper is an associate director of Barter Theatre in charge of new play development, as well as a director and actor in the Resident Company. A graduate of UT, Knoxville, Nick first came to Barter as an intern in 1990 and went on to become a founding member of Barter’s First Light Theatre (now The Barter Players). Nick is also the director of Barter’s Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights, and is leading Barter’s Shaping of America Series. Nick has directed a number of plays for Barter including Elvis Has Left the Building, The Blue-Sky Boys, Showtime at First Baptist and I’ll Never Be Hungry Again. Some of his favorite roles include Chester in Circumference of a Squirrel, the Creature in Frankenstein and Jimmy Reed in The Road Where It Curves Away.

Miles Polaski Miles Polaski is the resident sound designer at The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. Miles has worked as a freelance designer, composer, musician and DJ in Chicago, where he was a resident designer with 2nd Story and Collaboraction. He has been nominated for many awards and citations, and in 2010 he received a Joseph Jefferson Award for his design of Red Tape's Mouse in a Jar. Miles has had the pleasure of working on many shows with Chicago's best theatre companies including Chicago Dramatists, Steppenwolf, The Goodman and Fox Valley Rep. Before moving to Chicago, Miles was a member of the Barter Players. He is thrilled to be back in Appalachia working along side Barter's many talented artists.

Derek Smith (Resident Set Designer) is excited for the new opportunities his role presents. For the past eight years he has been a scenic artist at Barter while also designing sets for a few of Barter’s productions. Past designs include: “Betrayal,” “Beyond Gravity,” “Lear,” “Othello,” “Four Places,” “Circumference of a Squirrel,” “The Glass Menagerie,” “The 39 Steps” and “A Tale of Two Cities.” Derek is a native of Kingsport, Tenn., and is an alumnus of the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he received a bachelor’s degree in painting in 2003.

Ryan Henderson

Nicole Shumate

Carolyn Koesters

History

History of Barter Theatre

Barter Theatre began in 1933 with one man's idea to have patrons pay with produce and has grown today into a year-round theatre with more than 160,000 visitors each year.

A Unique Beginning

During the Depression, Robert Porterfield, an enterprising young actor, returned to his native Southwest Virginia with an extraordinary proposition: Bartering produce from the farms and gardens of the region to gain admission to see a play.

So on June 10, 1933, Barter Theatre opened its doors, proclaiming "With vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh." The price of admission was 40 cents or equivalent amount of produce. Four out of five Depression-era theatregoers paid their way with vegetables, dairy products and livestock.

The actors performing at the building were distracted not only by the occasional squealing pig or clucking hen, but noise from the town jail, which was located directly beneath the stage. The jail space was later used as a holding area for dogs suspected of rabies. It was eventually converted into dressing rooms for Barter actors.

To the surprise of many, all the seats for the first show were filled. The concept of trading "ham for Hamlet" caught on quickly. At the end of the first season, the Barter Company cleared $4.35 in cash, two barrels of jelly, and a collective weight gain of over 300 pounds.

Today, at least one performance a year celebrates the Barter heritage by accepting donations for an area food bank as the price of admission.

History of Barter Theatre Buildings

Today, at least one performance a year celebrates the Barter heritage by accepting donations for an area food bank as the price of admission.

The earliest theatrical event known to occur here was a production of the Virginian on January 14, 1876, the proceeds of which were used for building repairs. In 1890, the Sons of Temperance transferred the building's title to the Town of Abingdon , to be used as a town hall for the benefit of the citizenry.

In addition to offices, the town used the building as a fire hall – hence the fire alarm on the roof that sounded as needed at any time, day or night. When the fire siren sounded during a Barter performance, the actors were instructed to freeze their position on stage and to resume the action when the alarm concluded. The alarm remained on the building until 1994 when the fire department went to a system of electronic communications to alert fire fighters.

Many of the interior furnishings in the theatre are from the Empire Theatre of New York City. Robert Porterfield learned that this New York City theatre, constructed in 1875, was slated for destruction. Porterfield had one weekend in which to carry away furnishings and equipment for use at Barter. He came away with $75,000 worth of seats, lighting fixtures, carpeting, paintings, and tapestries. The lighting system at the Empire, designed and installed by Thomas Edison, was used at Barter Theatre through the mid 1970's.

Barter Stage II

Barter Theatre Stage II was constructed in 1829 as a Methodist church. Only the main building of the church was not destroyed by fire in 1914; it was later used by the Martha Washington College as a gymnasium and a storage area.

In 1961, the building was renovated by Barter Theatre as a small theatre, with major improvements made in 1973 and again in 1985, when additions included a lobby and the Jessie Ball DuPont Memorial Theatre Garden. The unique performance space features 167 seats around a thrust stage, with patrons only a few feet away from the performers. Barter Stage II is favored by actors and audiences for its intimate setting.

People of Barter Theatre

In 1963, President Kennedy praised Robert Porterfield, the founder of Barter Theatre. We are a theatre of character. And distinction. Rex Partington succeeded Porterfield after his death in 1971. A Barter actor in the 1950's, Partington returned as chief administrator from 1972 to 1992. Richard Rose was named Producing Artistic Director in 1992.

Today, Barter has a reputation as a theatre where many famous actors first performed before they went on to achieve fame and fortune. Barter's best known alumni include: Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, Hume Cronyn, Ned Beatty, Gary Collins, David Birney, and Larry Linville. Read more about the famous alums here.

Community & Educational Partnerships

As Barter Theatre grows in both size and success, so does its involvement in community services and educational programs. We are a theatre that gives.

Active in many local and regional organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, the American Cancer Society and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Barter is continuing to strengthen its partnership with its home community. Barter offers a mentor program, workshops and classes in all aspects of theatre and at all levels, a student matinee program, storytelling and practical training for theatre professionals.

Emory & Henry College Theatre Department Partnership

Committed to the education and training of future generations, Barter Theatre, a professional LORT D Equity company, aids in the operation of the Emory & Henry College Theatre Department, in Emory, Va., 10 minutes from Barter Theatre. This association offers theatre majors opportunities for professional internships, mentoring, workshops, and master classes throughout their college career. Barter staff members and artists often serve as adjunct faculty and guest artists in the Theatre Department.

In addition, E&H theatre majors have the opportunity to attend professional rehearsals, participate in “talk backs” with the actors and crew after Barter performances, and serve as understudies in Barter Theatre productions. With this partnership, Emory & Henry Theatre Department offers students the combined strengths of a small liberal arts college and the type of pre-professional experiences often found only in large conservatories.

To learning more about the Emory & Henry Theatre Department and the educational offers available, visit ehc.edu or theatre.ehc.edu.

Produce traded at Barter Theatre

Barter Theatre circa 1933

Barter Theatre circa 1933

Achievements

We are a theatre of triumphs. Here are some of them:

Barter Theatre began in 1933 with one man's idea to have patrons pay with produce and has grown today into a year-round theatre with more than 160,000 visitors each year.

1997

Barter goes Off-Broadway for the first time since the 1960's with Doctors and Diseases. Barter receives Commonwealth of Virginia decree from Legislator in honor of Barter's 65th Birthday Season.

1996

Barter is one of three theatres in the U.S. to receive a challenge grant in the amount of $150,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Barter premiers in Rybinsk, Russia, with The Angel's Share marking the beginning of a continuing exchange between the Rybinsk Municipal Drama Theatre and Barter. In the summer of the same year, Rybinsk Theatre presents three plays in repertory at the Barter.

1995

Patricia Neal, a Barter Alum, visits for Barter's Day of the Woman, during which the Patricia Neal Scholarship for Barter acting interns is founded.

1993

The First Light Theatre is founded, providing live theatre for young audiences.

1979

Barter is given their first ever Virginia Governor's Award for Excellence in Art.

1978

Renovation of the Barter Playhouse (now Barter Stage II) is completed and to be used for new, experimental and innovative works.

1963

President Kennedy praises Robert Porterfield for Barter Theatre.

1956

Barter establishes the annual "Ernest Borgnine Award" to honor the best new actor of each season. Borgnine, a Barter Alum, won an Oscar preceding this event.

1948

Barter wins the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Award for Regional Theatre.

1946

Barter is designated The State Theatre of Virginia, making it the first professional theatre to attain this status.

1939

Robert Porterfield establishes the Barter Theatre Award Luncheon in New York City, given to the actor or actress who had made the most memorable contribution to the theatre during the previous year. The award consisted of a Virginia ham, a silver platter to eat it off of, and an acre of Southwest Virginia mountainside.

Ernest Borgnine Award

Barter Theatre Tour Bus

Famous Alumni

Famous Alumni

Today, Barter has a reputation as a theatre where many famous actors first performed before they went on to achieve fame and fortune. Barter's best known alumni include:

Gary Collins

Frances Fisher

James Burrows

Wayne Knight

Seinfeld • 3rd Rock from the Sun • Jurassic Park

Larry Linville

M.A.S.H.

Will Bigham

Winner - 2007On The Lot

Barter's Stages

Main Stage

Barter’s first production was in 1933 and the building that is home to Barter's Main Stage has a grand and rich history dating back to 1831. The Historic Main Stage is a proscenium style that accommodates up to 506 patrons. This stage offers a traditional perspective, with seating downstairs in the orchestra or upstairs in the balcony. Big musicals and more traditional works are typically produced in this space.

Stage II

Stage II is right across the street from the Main Stage and brings the action up close. In this space a smaller, more intimate stage is ground level, while stadium-style seating allows for a unique viewing experience. Newer works and edgier plays are typically produced here, as well as most of the Barter Players’ shows. Barter Stage II also houses The Barter Cafe.

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FAQs

Barter is open February-December offering many shows a week. You can visit Abingdon most weekends and see up to 4 shows in one weekend.

Are discounts available?

Yes, we offer discounts for groups and for individuals including students, military, senior and AAA discounts.

Where is Barter Stage II and Political Dogs?

They are located right across Main Street in Abingdon. They are located adjacent to our parking lot, accessible by taking Main Street to Partington Place.

What else is there to do in Abingdon?

Abingdon is a very historic and cultural town; it is ranked #69 in The 100 Best Small Towns in America. It offers shopping, outdoor activities, artist studios and galleries, museums, wonderful dining and more!

Yes, our box office staff and group sales associate can help you customize a trip to Barter Theatre, Abingdon, the surrounding region and its many attractions. Our entire sales staff works very closely with the Abingdon tourism center; this relationship helps to make the best package for you!

THE BARTER MISSION

Enriching Lives Through Extraordinary Theatre

Barter is a resident company of passionate professional artists and leaders dedicated to serving and enriching our region by creating live theatre in repertory; by providing a nurturing environment for all involved; by embracing and celebrating Appalachia; by being stewards of the legacy of Barter Theatre; by using theatre as a vehicle for education; and by providing audiences, both youth and adult, with an extraordinary and enlightening experience each and every time they engage with us.

Handicap Accessibility

Barter Theatre is committed to making productions accessible for everyone. For more information about Barter’s accessibility, please call the box office at 276.628.3991

Facility

Accessible restrooms are located on the ground floor of Barter’s main stage as well as Barter Stage II.

Handicap accessible seating is available at both theatres. Please let our box office staff know your needs at the time you make your reservation.

Hearing Assistance

A hearing loop has been installed to assist those with hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with Telecoils (T-coil). Sound is transmitted directly and wirelessly without background noise or interference to better serve Barter patrons. Please switch your hearing aids to the Telecoil position and enjoy the show! For help locating your Telecoil setting we encourage you to call your audiologist. If you do not have a Telecoil they can be easily and inexpensively retro-fitted to most hearing aids.

FM-phonic headphones are also available at both stages by request in the Gift Shop for hearing impaired patrons.

What is the hearing loop?

The Hearing Loop is literally a copper wire that is looped around the periphery of a room which allows those who have a telecoil in their hearing aid/s or cochlear implant to link directly into the facility's sound system. The Hearing Loop is the method of choice to facilitate hearing in large gathering places and anywhere where high ceilings, lack of sound deadening, and extensive window space sacrifices audibility–not just for those with hearing loss but also for those who have normal hearing.

Induction loops are superior to other assistive listening devices for several reasons. There is no need to place unsightly earphones into your ears. In addition, because your hearing aid's telecoil serves as the "antenna", the reception of sound is molded and modified by your personal hearing aid. Hearing loss is as unique to an individual as is his/her fingerprint and generic listening devices amplify all incoming sound exactly the same way for all listeners. This is not the case for loops and audibility is maximized with the Hearing Loop.

Most individuals are under the mistaken belief that hearing aids return hearing to normal. Actually, a hearing aid's microphone amplifies best at distances 3-6 feet away. Thus, you would need to sit in the first pew or in the first row in order for your hearing aid to pick up the best. In addition, a hearing aid's microphone couldn't possibly know who, or what, is important to hear. Since the hearing aid's microphone amplifies best what is closest, a baby crying or a person opening a package of cough drops in the seat next to you will be louder and clearer than a speaker at the pulpit or podium located in the front. The Hearing Loop resolves these issues.

Approximately 60% of all hearing aids incorporate telecoils. Occasionally, your hearing aid may have a telecoil but your hearing aid dispenser hasn't enabled it. You may need to consult with your hearing aid dispenser.

Les Miserables, 2013

Ticket Donations

Because of the high volume of requests we receive, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

All requests must be submitted in writing on official organization letterhead.

All requests must be received at least six weeks in advance of the event date.

We do not accept requests for subscriptions or cash donations and generic fundraising requests.

Please describe the type of event and the beneficiary.

Please include the name, address and phone number of the contact person for the organization.

Requests are reviewed and responded to by mail only. This process can take up to six weeks. No phone calls, please.

If approved, you will receive your voucher at least two weeks before your event.

All reservations must be secured with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express and tickets may be picked up at the Box Office. There is a $4.50 charge for mailing tickets.

All sales are final and will be charged at the time the reservation is made. Show times may vary from production to production. For specifics dates and times, please contact our Box Office.

A preservation fee of $2.50 is added to each ticket. The money generated through the preservation fee is used specifically to improve Historic Barter Theatre and Stage II for the comfort and enjoyment of our patrons. For reservations taken over the phone or in person, a service fee of $1.50 is added to each ticket. For reservations made online, a service fee of $3.00 is added to each ticket.

Senior & AAA discounts: $2 off the regular ticket price for any performance.

Military discount: $5 off the regular ticket price for any performance.

Multiple Discounts are not permitted. DISCOUNTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE. PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE AT 276-628-3991 FOR DISCOUNTS.

Groups:
Any group of 15 or more qualifies for special rates. Plan a trip for your family reunion, birthday, office party, school group or just 15 of your favorite people. Ask about special group activities. For more information or to schedule your group outing, contact group sales at (276) 628-3991 ext. 406 or email groups@bartertheatre.com.

Photography/Video/Audio: Due to the U.S. copyright laws, use of photography, video and other recording devices are strictly prohibited during any performance at Barter Theatre. Patrons are permitted to take photos and videos only prior to the show and after the actors have left the stage following the curtain call.

Smoking policy:
Please note, while smoking by actors on stage may be appropriate for the accurate portrayal of individual characters or the truthful telling of the story, Barter Theatre does not endorse smoking tobacco. Airflow in the theaters is designed so any smoke produced on stage by our prop herbal cigarettes is immediately filtered out of the building and not recycled into the air.

Late Seating Policy:
Barter shows begin promptly at the announced times. To not interrupt the experience for allow audience members, patrons arriving late to a performance will be seated in the most convenient location at the discretion of House Management.

Return Seating Policy:
In order to not interrupt the experience for fellow audience members, a patron leaving his/her seat during a performance will be reseated in the most convenient location at the discretion of House Management.

Accessibility:
We're committed to making productions accessible and enjoyable for everyone. A hearing loop has been installed in Barter Theatre and Barter Stage II to assist those with hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with Telecoils. By request, FM Phonic headphones are also available for those hard of hearing.

Inclement Weather:
Barter Theatre performances are never cancelled due to weather conditions. The plays will be presented on schedule, not to be delayed by rain, sleet or snow.

Barter Theatre Insider

Take a deeper look at these select Barter Theatre shows Click on a show title below to be taken to more info about that show.

Theatre Matters

Join us for this unique series—a free and casual discussion for select plays and performances led by Barter staff and community organizations.

The Dryad: An Appalachian Tale: Our Partner: American Chestnut Foundation; Performance Dates and Times with Theatre Matters: March 8 at 2pm; March 9 at 7pm; March 13 7:30pm; March 18 at 7:30pm; April 10 7:30pm.

The Whipping Man: Our Partner: TBA; Performance dates and times with Theatre Matters: August 29 at 8pm; August 30 at 2pm and 8pm; August 31 at 7pm; September 2 at 7:30pm; September 18 at 7:30.

The Starving: Our Partner: Appalachian Sustainable Development; For The Starving, we are conducting at Theatre Matters with every performance except the final performance on November 15.

Opportunities at Barter Theatre

Barter Theatre (founded 1933) is a full-time, year-round AEA resident repertory company of theatre artists, a founding member of LORT and located in historic Abingdon, Virginia. Bartertheatre.com.

Available Positions

Production Assistant

Barter Theatre (founded 1933) – a full-time, year-round LORT D – AEA resident repertory company located in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, is accepting resumes for a Production Assistant for our 2015 season. Barter is the State Theatre of Virginia and is committed to excellence and growth.

Production Assistants serve as an assistant to AEA Stage Managers and Deck Manager for productions. Ideal candidate will have strong leadership and stage management skills. Candidates must be energetic, possess a willingness to learn and work well within a team. Relevant experience and/or degree is desired for all positions.

Historic Barter Theatre offers a wide variety of productions including world premieres, developing new works, musicals, and classics in two theatre spaces. We value a collaborative work environment. The company performs 20+ shows in two spaces from February to December, and we are experimenting with limited programming in a third performance space in 2015.

Contract term starts early April 2015 and goes until early/mid August 2015, and there is a possibility for a contract extension. Please send resume and references to Stage Management, PO Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212; Fax: 276-619-3335; E-mail (preferred): stagemgt@bartertheatre.com. Please visit our web site at www.bartertheatre.com for further information. Barter Theatre is an equal opportunity employer.

Full-time Properties Journeyman

Ideal applicant would be a motivated and creative self-starter eager to gain props skills in a professional setting. The Props Journeyman will assist the Properties Master and Assistant Properties Master with various duties including, but not limited to, props for all Barter Theatre productions and maintaining the Properties for show and inventory. Position requires heavy lifting, bending, climbing and prolonged standing. Strong carpentry skills are a must as well as a valid drivers license. Welding skills and Photoshop skills are a plus.

Start date is late April/early May. Contract is a full-time/48 week contract.

Historic Barter Theatre offers a wide variety of productions including world premieres, developing new works, musicals, and classics in two theatre spaces. We value a collaborative work environment.

Barter Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Production Intern

Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, is seeking a full-time Production Intern. Duties may include (but not limited to) running a spotlight, working as part of the backstage deck crew, show changeover and filling in other areas as needed. These positions will work in various departments, including Props, Electrics, Scene Shop, Sound and Stage Management. Candidates must be energetic, possess willingness to learn and work well within a team. Responsibilities will include working during changeovers and running shows. This is a full time position involving six days of work per week and includes work at night, on weekends, and occasionally on holidays. Relevant experience and/or degree is desired for all positions. Contract dates are the end of March through August 2015, with the potential for extension. Please send resume and references to stage management: stagemgt@bartertheatre.com.

Barter Youth Academy Instructors

Barter's Youth Academy in Abingdon, Virginia, is seeking energetic, passionate, and skilled instructors for our growing programs in Abingdon, Bristol, Kingsport, and Mountain City! Successful candidates will have at least 2 years of teaching experience with one or more of the following age groups: Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, or High School. Must also have a fluent working knowledge of theater (with stage-direction experience as a plus.)

The position will involve teaching students in Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle or High School fundamental and intermediate acting/stage skills. The position will involve 1 to 3 hours of class-time per week (during an 8 week workshop period), and also putting together a final “demonstration” performance at the end of the course which will include light, sound, costume, props, and set design.

Professional development and training is available and an initial 6 hour initial training/orientation session is required (December 6th).

Successful candidates must be self-reliant, motivated, adaptable, and willing to receive input from the Artistic Director and Associate Director of BYA. Strong class-management skills are imperative as well. Reliable transportation with proof of auto-insurance a must.

Volunteer Opportunities

Barter depends on its amazing group of volunteers! There are many ways to help support Barter with your time.

Volunteer ushers assist patrons, take tickets, answer questions, sell concessions and ensure the safety and comfort of all of our guests. For more information about ushering, contact: Kenny Davis, House Manager volunteer@bartertheatre.com.

The Advancement Office counts on dedicated volunteers to help with mailings, events and special projects. It’s a great way to make new friends and make a difference at Barter. To sign up, contact: Allison Woods, Advancement Associate, advancementassoc@bartertheatre.com.

Play Submissions

Guidelines for the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights (AFPP)

America began as an idea. Who are we? Where did we come from? How did we get there? “The Shaping of America”: The stories you won’t find in history books. What’s your idea? Submit a proposal for Barter Theatre’s “Shaping of America” Series. Existing full-length scripts are not accepted.

Barter also accepts new play proposals that do not fit in to either of the above programs. Please note: Barter does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Barter does not generally produce one-act plays nor plays with extremely urban themes. Barter does produce plays for Young Audiences, whether one-acts or full length. Plays with an Appalachian theme or by an Appalachian playwright are encouraged to submit via Barter Theatre’s Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights. To submit your play for consideration, please use the following guidelines.

Educational Collaboration

Emory & Henry College Theatre Department Partnership

Committed to the education and training of future generations, Barter Theatre, a professional LORT D Equity company, aids in the operation of the Emory & Henry College Theatre Department, in Emory, Va., 10 minutes from Barter Theatre. This association offers theatre majors opportunities for professional internships, mentoring, workshops, and master classes throughout their college career. Barter staff members and artists often serve as adjunct faculty and guest artists in the Theatre Department.

In addition, E&H theatre majors have the opportunity to attend professional rehearsals, participate in “talk backs” with the actors and crew after Barter performances, and serve as understudies in Barter Theatre productions. With this partnership, Emory & Henry Theatre Department offers students the combined strengths of a small liberal arts college and the type of pre-professional experiences often found only in large conservatories.

To learning more about the Emory & Henry Theatre Department and the educational offers available, visit ehc.edu or theatre.ehc.edu.

Documents & Links

Photographs

Please use these photographs of Barter Theatre as needed.

Advertising with Barter

Barter Theatre sells advertising in both our Season Brochures and our Souvenir Programs.

Hundreds of thousands of Season Brochures are distributed each year to our patrons and around the region. A Souvenir Program is given to each of the 160,000 members of our audience that come through our doors each year.

This may be just the place to advertise your business or organization! Contact Barter's Marketing Department for more information.

Press Releases

For the First Time Ever, Barter Theatre Presents Cole Porter's "Anything Goes"

(Abingdon, Va.) The main musical event in Barter's spring repertory will open just in time for Valentine's Day! Cole Porter’s first-class musical comedy, "Anything Goes” begins at Barter Theatre on February 14th.

Come aboard the S.S. American. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England, and her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt. The problem, Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. This story of two unlikely pairs on the course to true love proves that sometimes destiny needs a little help from some unlikely aids to find true love. The characters' madcap antics have everyone tossing etiquette and convention out the portholes!

Directed by Richard Rose, Barter's big musical featuring some of the greatest music written for the stage including: “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “You're The Top,” and the title song, “Anything Goes"! You might even find yourself singing along!

Lee Harris ("Les Misérables;" "Kiss Me, Kate") serves as musical director, and audiences should prepare for the costumes and choreography that Amanda Aldridge ("The Wizard of Oz," "My Fair Lady") has become known for as she pulls out all the stops on the high seas!

Featuring the talents of Barter's Resident Acting Company members Sean Maximo Campos, Nick Koesters, and Holly Williams, as well as Barter alum Emelie Faith Thompson as Reno, Barter has cast 19 singers and dancers to bring the story to life onstage for the first-time ever.

This is your chance to hop aboard the S.S. American and sail away! For best ticket prices, Barter Season PassBooks are on sale through April 1st. Tickets for "Anything Goes" are $23 (Tuesday nights), $33, $37 and $39. For tickets and additional information call (276) 628-3991 or visit bartertheatre.com.

"Anything Goes" is made possible by corporate sponsors BVU Authority and Highlands Union Bank and media sponsors abc19 WKPT and Lamar TriCities Tennessee and Virginia. Barter Theatre is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.